Classes & Teachers

[goosemods]

CORE CLASS

Charms

Charms class focuses on learning the execution of spells that impact, modify or enhance the properties of the subject they're being cast upon. Students starting Charms at Gooseberry are expected to already know basic Charms, and the class focuses on the safe execution of intermediate and advanced spells. This includes pronunciation, wand movements, and the effects and uses of spells. Charms takes place in a large circular room on the main lodge's second floor, with windows facing the lake. As one of the more popular classes, it's designed to accommodate a lot of students.

A C is required to continue taking Charms in junior and senior year. (However, Mr. Calderon-Boot is known to make exceptions if a student asks, as he has little faith in letter grades anyway. He marks these cases down as "extenuating circumstances.")

Despite his family legacy, rebellious Mr. Calderon-Boot passed up an opportunity to teach at Ilvermorny in order to take up a position at Gooseberry. He’s very into alternative, experimental teaching methods, and runs an informal classroom. He talks a lot about the failings of the American school system, and is constantly petitioning Mrs. Bloom to make radical modifications to the grading system. He encourages students to call him Cesaro (no matter how often Mrs. Bloom tells him to stop), and is the sort of teacher who doesn’t use red ink to grade papers because it’s “too aggressive.”

Cesaro Calderon-Boot

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Lucas Kowalski

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Antonia, Avery, Cameron, Casey, Casper, Chloe, Clementine, Daniel, Eileen, Ennis, Ferdinand, Georgiana, Gweneth, Iliya, Jaime, January, Jonathan, Kurt, Lachlan, Lilika, Mackenzie, Oscar, Phineas, Phoebe, Reece, Reid, Riley, Rosemary, Roxanne, Sandford, Sofia, Sybilla, Sylvester, Ulysses, Ursula, Veronica, Webster, Yancey
• Juniors: Ariadne, Austin, Calvin, Cassius, Charlotte, Cole, Estella, Evangeline, Fern, Hazel, Heathcliff, Ira, Isabelle, Jade, Janet, Jefferson, Jonah, Liberty, Lucas, Madison, Max, Micah, Noel, Ophelia, Ramon, Ruby, Salem, Samantha, Sebastien, Solomon, Spencer, Susana, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Antigone, Archimedes, Balthazar, Carolina, Chad, Concordia, Corrigan, Dinah, Grace, Griffin, Hieronymus, Juniper, Karen, London, Marie, Miguel, Natalie, Nisha, Pandora, Paris, Quentin, Rupert, Seth, Tobias, Tuesday, Violet

CORE CLASS

Herbology

Herbology is the study of magical flora and how to care for the specimens provided to students. It comes along with an overarching theme of earth science and environmentalism. Each student has two assigned plots for their projects, one in the greenhouse and one outside the greenhouse. For lectures, students often end up sitting on the ground or an assortment of rough benches. It takes place in the Gooseberry gardens, which include a lush, overgrown exterior, and a wrought iron greenhouse with a pond inside. The pond contains a few koi, which are regrettably not magical.

A C is required to continue taking Herbology in junior and senior year.

Mr. Hightower is a dignified, serious man with a soft heart. Since being hired, he's become an approachable pillar of support for Gooseberry. When Mrs. Bloom and Ms. Vector are faced with some delicate matter regarding a student, it usually ends up falling to Mr. Hightower to do the talking. This is fine by him in most cases, as Mr. Hightower is a man who loves to help, and loves to talk. The gardens have picturesque seating areas with wrought iron furniture hidden throughout, and Mr. Hightower is almost always willing to sit with stressed students for a cup of coffee and a down to earth discussion. No matter what your situation is, it's guaranteed he knows a deep, philosophical quote to fit it.

Mr. Hightower is often privately relieved Ribbonfin is so comparatively mellow. He thinks his students are the kindest and most studious.

Aristotle Hightower

HEAD OF RIBBONFIN

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Phoebe Maycott

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Antonia, Cameron, Casey, Chloe, Clementine, Daniel, Ennis, Ferdinand, Georgiana, Jaime, Jonathan, Kurt, Lachlan, Lilika, Oscar, Phoebe, Riley, Rosemary, Sandford, Ursula, Yancey
• Juniors: Ariadne, Austin, Calvin, Cassius, Charlotte, Cole, Fern, Hazel, Heathcliff, Ira, Jade, Jefferson, Jonah, Madison, Max, Ophelia, Salem, Samantha, Susana
• Sophomores: Antigone, Archimedes, Carolina, Concordia, Dinah, Juniper, Marie, Natalie, Paris, Quentin, Tobias

CORE CLASS

Hermeticism

Hermeticism is largely agreed upon as the most difficult class offered at Gooseberry. In a nutshell, Hermeticism introduces students to the building blocks of spells, the science of magic, and how to wield it to create new spells. It's the magical equivalent of taking physics, complete with advanced equations and experiments. It's taught in the main lodge in an intimate classroom on the ground floor. It includes a door that opens onto a clearing along the lakeside, where practical examinations and experiments are held.

A B is required to take Hermeticism in junior and senior year.

Ms. Vector has never let anyone keep her down, and she's not about to start now. She's ruthless as a teacher, and accepts no excuses from her students. No tears can sway her, no sob story reaches her ears. She's a woman of facts, who takes an advantage when she sees one. While Mrs. Bloom is busy running the business side of the school, Ms. Vector handles the staff and scheduling. It's best not to let her talk to the parents, though, as she's quick to sharply tell any concerned guardian that their child is no more special than the next.

Ms. Vector has a quiet confidence in Coppertale. They're simply the best, most assertive students, and that's that.

Septima Vector

DEPUTY HEADMISTRESS
HEAD OF COPPERTALE

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Lachlan Galbraith

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Avery, Casper, Daniel, Ferdinand, Gweneth, Iliya, January, Jonathan, Lachlan, Mackenzie, Oscar, Phineas, Phoebe, Reece, Rosemary, Roxanne, Sybilla, Veronica
• Juniors: Calvin, Cassius, Cole, Estella, Evangeline, Ira, Isabelle, Jade, Janet, Liberty, Lucas, Micah, Ramon, Salem, Samantha, Sebastien, Solomon, Spencer, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Archimedes, Basil, Chad, Corrigan, Grace, Griffin, Hieronymus, Karen, Miguel, Nisha, Pandora, Rupert, Seth, Tuesday, Violet

CORE CLASS

History of Magic

History of Magic explores the role of witches and wizards throughout history. Freshmen and sophomores learn about North and South American history, and juniors and seniors begin studying ancient and world history. While a great deal of it is about the ins-and-outs of magical history and politics, there's plenty of focus on muggle history and where that intersected and influenced the magical world. Students can expect to write a lot of essays. So many essays. History is in a cozy room on the main lodge's second floor, which used to be a large sitting room. It has a fireplace, which is often lit during the winter.

A C is required to continue taking History of Magic in junior and senior year.

Mr. Merrill is known for his dramatic, theatrical teaching style, which makes even the dullest portions of history fun. He makes jokes during class, and is much more interested in ensuring his students are informed about their place in the world than fact memorization. Because of this, he's known as one of the easier teachers. Mr. Merrill teases students in and out of class, and knows all of their names even if they don't take History. He often gets chummy with the other staff members, and their opinions on how annoying he is are mixed. Mr. Merrill is a muggleborn from a small town in Utah.

He loves Azurcrest to death, and has a rivalry with Ms. Rhee, whom he thinks is a stick in the mud.

Zebulon Merrill

HEAD OF AZURCREST

TEACHING ASSISTANT: (open)

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Antonia, Cameron, Casper, Chloe, Jaime, January, Kurt, Mackenzie, Phineas, Reece, Reid, Roxanne, Sandford, Sofia, Sybilla, Sylvester, Webster
• Juniors: Austin, Evangeline, Jefferson, Jonah, Lucas, Madison, Ophelia, Ruby, Sebastien, Spencer, Susana, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Basil, Carolina, Chad, Dinah, Griffin, Juniper, Karen, London, Natalie, Pandora, Seth, Tuesday, Violet

CORE CLASS

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is sometimes compared to gym by muggleborn students, but thanks to Gooseberry's wild surroundings, it's much more than that. While classes often involve playing games and sports, there are even more sections based on outdoor safety and survival. Knife skills, charms that are good for camping, how to behave properly when on a trail, using a compass, reading maps, canoeing, etc. etc. etc. Outdoor Education is often a love it or hate it class. It meets in the atrium of the lodge, and then the class walks out to wherever the lesson will be taking place that day.

There is no grade requirement for Outdoor Education. It's a pass/fail class. Every student must pass at least one year of Outdoor Education to graduate.

"Can't" is a four letter word in Outdoor Education.

Enthusiastic Mr. Thorn knows that most of the kids taking his class are doing so against their will, but he doesn't particularly care. He's sympathetic, of course, but that's no excuse for dragging your feet! Mr. Thorn basically passes anyone who tries hard and doesn't complain too much. At the same time, though, he's the sort of guy who's always pushing his students to give their all, and he's the one who decides what your all is. You can climb a little higher this time. You can manage one more hour on the trail. You can run faster than that. Easy for him to say, since he seems to have a boundless amount of energy.

Mr. Thorn has a well-earned reputation for being extremely strict. He has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying and fighting, and has stripped students of their positions on teams before.

Wesley Thorn

QUIDDITCH/CHEER COACH

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Janet Pitchford

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Avery, Casey, Clementine, Daniel, Eileen, Georgiana, Iliya, Jonathan, Kurt, Lachlan, Mackenzie, Reid, Riley, Roxanne, Sandford, Ulysses, Ursula, Webster, Yancey
• Juniors: Ariadne, Austin, Fern, Hazel, Heathcliff, Jade, Janet, Jefferson, Liberty, Max, Noel, Ophelia, Ruby, Samantha, Solomon, Susana
• Sophomores: Balthazar, Concordia, Grace, Hieronymus, Miguel, Nisha, Paris, Tobias, Tuesday

CORE CLASS

Potions

As with Charms, students entering Gooseberry are expected to already know the basics of potion brewing when they arrive. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors work on mastering intermediate and advanced potions, while studying the ingredients that go into them and what they contribute to the potion in question. This is to prep students for senior year, in which the teacher guides students through creating their own recipes, or modifying existing ones. The potions classroom is in the main lodge, on the third floor. It's bright and airy, with a lot of windows that can be opened in case of a pungent mishap.

A B is required to continue taking potions in junior and senior year.

Last year, the very old Mr. Pennywise decided he could no longer tolerate a job that required so much hiking. He was replaced with a young new Potions teacher, Mr. Elmasry. Karim Elmasry is actually a graduate of Gooseberry, having left the school with honors 6 years ago. This former Azurcrest Head Boy knows the most about what students get up to, but does the least about it. He’s a lax disciplinarian, and you have to be doing something actively malicious to get detention from Mr. Elmasry. Despite his age and laidback nature, he knows what he’s talking about, and the material he covers is difficult.

Karim Elmasry

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Adeline Foster-Hayes

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Antonia, Avery, Casper, Chloe, Daniel, Eileen, Ennis, Georgiana, Iliya, Jaime, January, Jonathan, Kurt, Lachlan, Lilika, Mackenzie, Oscar, Phoebe, Reece, Rosemary, Sandford, Sofia, Ulysses, Ursula, Veronica, Webster, Yancey
• Juniors: Austin, Calvin, Cassius, Charlotte, Cole, Evangeline, Fern, Hazel, Heathcliff, Ira, Isabelle, Janet, Jonah, Liberty, Lucas, Madison, Max, Micah, Ophelia, Ramon, Ruby, Salem, Samantha, Sebastien, Solomon, Spencer, Susana, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Antigone, Archimedes, Balthazar, Basil, Carolina, Chad, Concordia, Corrigan, Grace, Griffin, Hieronymus, Juniper, Karen, London, Marie, Miguel, Natalie, Nisha, Pandora, Paris, Quentin, Rupert, Seth, Tobias, Violet

CORE CLASS

Transfiguration

Transfiguration is the art of changing the physical properties of an object. As with Charms and Potions, students entering Transfiguration are expected to already be familiar with basic principles and skills. In addition to actually transfiguring subjects, this class focuses heavily on learning the strengths and limitations of Transfiguration, including memorizing and understanding the laws that bind it. It's notoriously difficult. The Transfiguration classroom is on the third floor of the lodge. Its walls are covered in floor to ceiling shelves full of random items that students can practice on.

A B is required to continue taking Transfiguration in junior and senior year.

Sweet-natured Ms. Rhee is an unrelenting perfectionist in the classroom. If it’s not exactly right, it’s completely wrong. However, she also very much wants to see students succeed, and will stay after class to answer questions and offer help. Her tests are infamous for being obscenely long. So long, in fact, that you only need to get every other question correct for an A, and there are always a few dorky joke questions hidden in them. In general, Ms. Rhee comes off a little like your awkward mom trying to make the kids laugh.

She’s staunchly loyal to Ebonhide, and has a rivalry with Mr. Merrill, whom she thinks is unprofessional.

Su-jin Rhee

HEAD OF EBONHIDE

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Eileen

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Antonia, Avery, Cameron, Casper, Clementine, Daniel, Eileen, Ferdinand, Gweneth, Iliya, January, Jonathan, Kurt, Lachlan, Lilika, Oscar, Phineas, Phoebe, Reece, Reid, Rosemary, Sofia, Sybilla, Sylvester, Ulysses, Ursula, Veronica, Yancey
• Juniors: Ariadne, Calvin, Cassius, Charlotte, Cole, Estella, Evangeline, Fern, Hazel, Heathcliff, Ira, Isabelle, Jade, Janet, Jefferson, Jonah, Liberty, Lucas, Madison, Max, Noel, Ophelia, Ramon, Ruby, Salem, Samantha, Sebastien, Solomon, Spencer, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Antigone, Balthazar, Basil, Carolina, Chad, Concordia, Corrigan, Dinah, Grace, Griffin, Hieronymus, Karen, London, Marie, Miguel, Nisha, Pandora, Paris, Quentin, Rupert, Seth, Tuesday, Violet

ELECTIVE

Aesthetic Magic

Aesthetic Magic is an art class that teaches students how to fold magic into their work. In addition to life drawing and using various mediums, freshmen and sophomores enjoy a popular magical photography section. Juniors and seniors begin to learn the tricky art of creating living paintings. Aesthetic Magic is taught in a large room full of easels on the second floor of the lodge. There's a dark room for developing photographs next door.

A C is required to continue taking Aesthetic Magic in junior and senior year... much to Ms. Poe's dismay.

Ms. Poe takes art very seriously, and if her students know what's best for them, so will they. She's an accomplished artist in her own right, and she's very proud of her work. She'll come down hard on any student who dares to pull out "Those who can, do, and those who can't, teach." She's just as intolerant of students who think Aesthetic Magic is going to be an easy class, but most of them end up dropping out anyway because of her high standards. Ms. Poe picks her favorite freshmen every fall, and leans on them to improve and succeed for the next four years. She's hard on them, but it comes from a place of affection. Probably.

Genevieve Poe

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Chloe Shepherd

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Casey, Chloe, Ennis, Phineas, Phoebe, Riley, Sofia, Sylvester, Webster, Yancey
• Juniors: Ariadne, Cole, Estella, Ira, Isabelle, Jade, Liberty, Micah, Susana
• Sophomores: Archimedes, Balthazar, Basil, Dinah, Juniper, London, Marie, Seth

ELECTIVE

Artificing

In Artificing, students can expect to learn how to make magical items, from the frivolous to the complex. Generally, the first half of the year will be dedicated to introducing students to new tools and enchantments, working with wood, metal and glass. During the second half, they'll create something with what they learned. Younger years create things like remembralls and magical birdhouses. Older students will work on larger or more complicated enchanted objects, like flying brooms and crystal balls, even going so far as to introduce them to wandmaking. So far, Mr. Oakes has recommended three of his students for apprenticeships with his family connections. One even went overseas to work at Ollivanders. Artificing takes place in a sizable structure just outside the lodge, full of tools and machinery. It gets quite cold in there during winter, but the large windows provide a pretty view of the Rainbow River.

A C is required to continue taking Artificing in junior and senior year.

Mr. Oakes is popular amongst students. He's an undeniably fun teacher who's deeply enthusiastic about his subject, and has a knack for making his students believe they're all brilliant and fascinating. However, he's as interested in pursuing random curiosities as he is in following the curriculum. A bit of a mad scientist, on more than on occasion he's begun a class by saying, "Hey kids, want to see an explosion?" At least he makes sure everyone is wearing goggles first. Mr. Oakes is famously (if distantly) related to the Ollivander line, but for the last two generations his family's been happily settled in Georgia.

Horatio Oakes

 

TEACHING STUDENT: Estella Morales-Tran

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Casey, Clementine, Ferdinand, Gweneth, Mackenzie, Phineas, Reece, Sybilla, Sylvester, Ursula, Veronica, Webster, Yancey
• Juniors: Austin, Calvin, Cassius, Cole, Estella, Evangeline, Fern, Heathcliff, Liberty, Micah, Noel, Salem, Samantha, Sebastien
• Sophomores: Balthazar, Basil, Chad, Dinah, Karen, London, Miguel, Natalie, Quentin, Seth, Tobias, Violet

ELECTIVE

Astronomy

Astronomy: The class that gives you an excuse to go out after curfew. Astronomy focuses on the movement of the stars and how that impacts the ebb and flow of magic. There's also been a push to include more muggle science in the curriculum, though, which makes Astronomy at Gooseberry one of the most muggle classes of them all. Physics and space exploration often come up, as well as discussions about what place magic has in the world of science. Astronomy takes place in the highest tower of the lodge, in a circular room full of telescopes and practically wallpapered with star charts.

A C is required to continue taking Astronomy in junior and senior year.

Ms. Whittle herself is the one responsible for pushing for muggle science to be included in her class. She earned her master's degree in astrophysics while going "undercover" as a muggle, and she's eager to show the students of Gooseberry what an exciting world is out there for them. Getting witches and wizards excited about space can be hard sometimes, though, and she's been known to sit everyone down to watch sci-fi movies to whet their appetite. Ms. Whittle has a good sense of humor, and is more than willing to entertain questions about astrology and aliens. Unfortunately, she knows nothing about astrology. Stories about aliens, on the other hand...

Valerie Whittle

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: (open)

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Casper, Chloe, Ennis, Georgiana, Gweneth, January, Jonathan, Lachlan, Lilika, Phoebe, Riley, Sofia, Webster
• Juniors: Austin, Calvin, Cassius, Isabelle, Jade, Liberty, Lucas, Micah, Ramon, Sebastien, Spencer, Susana, Todd
• Sophomores: Chad, Griffin, Karen, Natalie, Quentin, Tobias

ELECTIVE

Defense Against the Dark Arts

Defense Against the Dark Arts is an attractive subject for many students, but gets increasingly challenging as the years go on. Freshmen and sophomores learn basic defenses and a little bit of history about the dangers of the Dark Arts. Juniors and seniors get to see demonstrations of dangerous curses, learn self-defense hexes and jinxes, and try to produce patronuses. The subject matter in senior year is particularly morbid. The DADA classroom is on the third floor, and features several locked display cabinets filled with anti-Dark magic objects. On the walls are framed newspaper clips from Ms. Lilywhite's long career.

A C is required to continue taking DADA in junior and senior year, although Ms. Lilywhite will plainly tell students who are getting below a B that they should consider dropping out before senior year.

Ms. Lilywhite is a retired Auror who left field work after losing her wand arm in a battle with a dark wizard. She worked at a desk for several years before approaching Mrs. Bloom out of the blue, suggesting she be allowed to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Ms. Lilywhite has a magnetic personality, and presents her subject with well deserved gravitas. She doesn't mince words, though, and junior year is a notorious weeding class. It's meant to discourage students she thinks can't handle the realities of the Dark Arts. Ms. Lilywhite's not a mean teacher, but she takes house points at the slightest provocation. She runs a tight ship, so don't even think about passing notes or checking your phone.

Celena Lilywhite

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Casper Kim

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Avery, Casper, Daniel, Eileen, Ennis, Iliya, Jaime, January, Jonathan, Mackenzie, Phineas, Phoebe, Reece, Rosemary, Roxanne, Sybilla, Sylvester, Ulysses
• Juniors: Calvin, Charlotte, Cole, Estella, Evangeline, Fern, Hazel, Isabelle, Jade, Janet, Jefferson, Jonah, Lucas, Max, Micah, Noel, Ramon, Ruby, Salem, Samantha, Spencer, Thaddeus, Todd, Zachary
• Sophomores: Antigone, Archimedes, Balthazar, Chad, Concordia, Corrigan, Grace, Hieronymus, Juniper, Miguel, Pandora, Paris, Quentin, Rupert, Tuesday, Violet

ELECTIVE

Magical Rudiments

The "life skills" class. Magical Rudiments instructs students on everything from baking to sewing to doing their taxes. It's particularly recommended for muggleborn students, as a lot of time is spent on simply learning how to exist as an adult in the magical world. Magical Rudiments has two classrooms, joined by a pair of always open french doors. One has ovens and counters and sinks for cooking, and the other has tables and chairs for sitting and talking. There are also two old magical sewing machines, and two very modern ones.

There is no grade requirement for taking Magical Rudiments. It's a pass/fail class.

Prospero is an old, very soft spoken, and very free house elf. He's been with Mrs. Bloom since she was a child, and was freed by her father decades ago. When Mrs. Bloom offered him a teaching position, he was glad to take it. Prospero is a little morose, but so gentle that it's hard not to feel hushed by his presence. There seems to be nothing he doesn't know how to do. Prospero has a gift for being able to look at any student and guess what they're too shy to ask him for help with.

Prospero is also the liaison for the house elves that work at Gooseberry. He's known to scold students in his quiet, papery voice if he thinks they're being too bossy with the other elves.

Prospero

HOUSE ELF LIAISON

TEACHING ASSISTANT: (open)

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Antonia, Casey, Chloe, Clementine, Eileen, Ennis, Georgiana, Oscar, Reid, Riley, Sandford, Ursula, Veronica, Yancey
• Juniors: Janet, Jonah, Liberty, Spencer
• Sophomores: Archimedes, Concordia, Corrigan, Hieronymus, London, Natalie, Nisha, Seth, Tobias, Tuesday

ELECTIVE

Magizoology

Magizoology has two main sections, which roughly revolve around the seasons. During good weather, the class takes place mostly outdoors, covering larger species and their care. When winter sets in, students come inside for a section on biology. Periodically, small animals will still make an appearance. Juniors and seniors can look forward to projects where pairs or small groups will get to take care of some magical creatures over the course of the year. Magizoology has two classrooms; one on the ground floor of the lodge and another in the stables. Class usually begins in the lodge and will walk out to meet the animals once everyone's arrived.

A C is required to continue taking Magizoology in junior and senior year.

Mrs. O'Hare is absolutely fearless in the face of even the most terrifying creatures, or the most mean-spirited students. She sometimes jokes that packs of trapped, hormonal kids are far more intimidating than dragons, because dragons are at least predictable. Mrs. O'Hare speaks quickly in a clipped, friendly fashion, which makes taking notes in Magizoology a unique challenge. She also has a guilty love of scary stories. Despite the other teachers telling her not to encourage rumors, she loves hearing about the legends of Gooseberry. She'll repeat them to students like facts, and says she's met strange things in the woods over the years.

Constance O'Hare

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Kurt Wolfhart

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Antonia, Cameron, Clementine, Daniel, Ferdinand, Jaime, Kurt, Lachlan, Lilika, Oscar, Reece, Roxanne, Sylvester
• Juniors: Estella, Fern, Hazel, Ira, Jefferson, Max, Noel, Ophelia, Ruby
• Sophomores: Antigone, Carolina, Dinah, Griffin, Pandora, Paris, Peyton

ELECTIVE

Wizard Literature

Literature assigns students an average of one written subject per month, and they're expected to complete chapters by particular dates. The readings are then discussed in class with the teacher guiding the conversation. Written essays are not uncommon, and pop quizzes make sure students are actually keeping up with assigned readings. The majority of the books/plays/etc. are from wizard authors. The literature classroom is on the second floor of the lodge, and features a large blackboard that's always covered in notes.

A C is required to continue taking Literature in junior and senior year.

Mrs. Acuña is a woman of the world. She and her husband have lived in many different countries, have each had at least three different careers, and she speaks several languages. Gooseberry is just her latest stop. Despite all her travels, she's often homesick for her native Mexico. She makes a point of including examples of Mexican literature, both muggle and magical, in her lesson plan. Mrs. Acuña values thoughtfulness in a student, and participation is an important part of their final grade. It's a difficult class if you're shy, because she expects open discussions and calls on people randomly.

Mrs. Acuña offers not-for-credit tutoring in Spanish and English during breakfast on Sunday mornings.

Marisol Acuña

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Jefferson Key

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Cameron, Casey, Eileen, Gweneth, Iliya, January, Rosemary, Roxanne, Veronica
• Juniors: Ariadne, Charlotte, Jefferson, Madison, Ramon, Salem, Solomon, Zachary
• Sophomores: Carolina, Juniper, Miguel, Nisha, Pandora, Rupert, Tuesday, Violet

ADVANCED STUDY

Divination

Before this year, Divination was the newest advanced study at Gooseberry. This will be its third year. While time is devoted to learning fortune-telling methods, the class is mostly designed to help students who think they are, or hope they might be, Seers. Most classes are spent talking about the history of divination and Seers, and the theories behind how Prophecies work. There are sections on meditation and reducing stress to clear the mind. Divination is in one of the lodge's high towers, and looks more like a comfortable sitting room than a classroom. The shelves are stocked with several different types of divination tools, many of them antiques. Students of Divination can visit at any time, and seniors may even be granted a key for when Mr. Chettri is hiding absent.

Prerequisites: There is no grade requirement for Divination, but students must have Mr. Chettri's permission to sign up. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Divination.
Benefits: Sign-up opportunities to accurately predict plot calendar events every month. This will not count as their monthly plot calendar spot.

2/15 spots available.

Mr. Chettri achieved real fame four years ago when his prophecies saved the life of the MACUSA president (and a few visiting celebrities) from dark wizards. His handsome face was all over the papers for months. The notoriety was too much for him, though, and two years ago he accepted the offer to teach at Gooseberry for the privacy. The school is so secure that he no longer has to deal with crowds, and he doesn't accept any mail. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Chettri is a little on the shy side, and when he's not teaching, he's very hard to find. In class, he's quite strict, and won't accept anyone who's disrespectful about Divination. His only "friends" appear to be his students, and when he has to interact with other staff members, he develops a stutter.

Nayan Chettri

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Ennis Harper

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Ennis, Ferdinand, Georgiana, Gweneth, January, Lilika
• Juniors: Heathcliff, Isabelle
• Sophomores: Griffin, Hieronymus, London, Marie, Rupert

ADVANCED STUDY

Music

The music room (on the ground floor, next to the auditorium) is open to all students, but the actual music course is considered an advanced study program. During this class, students work on their original compositions with the oversight of a teacher. It's especially useful for students whose senior projects revolve around music. The music room is one of the more modern rooms in the lodge, and sits near the auditorium. It was completely remodeled to improve the acoustics, and so it could accommodate electric instruments and recording equipment of both the magical and muggle variety. There's a large assortment of loaner instruments students can check out.

Prerequisites: There is no grade requirement for Music, but students must have Ms. Thrussell's permission to sign up. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Music.
Benefits: Participation in concerts, opportunities to headline at school dances, bonus to RNG score at the talent show and similar competitions.

3/15 spots available.

Ms. Thrussell has an exciting, colorful past, but exactly what's true and what's not is hard to tell. What's known for sure is that she moved around a lot in her youth, and worked in a number of seedy theaters and burlesque houses to support herself when she ran off with a rakish muggle (who has since passed away). Nowadays, she takes it easy in the music room, telling stories and teaching. Ms. Thrussell can play dozens of instruments, is a great voice coach, and even does a mean tap dance. She struggles to understand the music kids are into these days, and her most up to date knowledge on pop is who Britney Spears is. She calls everyone "dah-ling," and only remembers the names of students who show up in the music room more than twice a week.

Eulalia Thrussell

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT: Natalie Prince

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Antonia, Cameron, Iliya, Mackenzie, Webster
• Juniors: Austin, Noel, Solomon
• Sophomores: Antigone, Carolina, Corrigan, Natalie

ADVANCED STUDY

Animagus Studies

Becoming an Animagi is a long, difficult road, but Gooseberry does offer an advanced course where students can begin to learn how to transform into an animal. Success is not guaranteed, and a complete transformation is not necessary to get a good grade. Many students do master it before graduation, though.

Prerequisites: You must maintain a C average in all classes, and a B in Transfiguration to take this course. Only juniors and seniors are allowed. Students of Animagus Studies can drop in on class sessions for different years, e.g. a senior taking Animagus Studies on Tuesday can also attend the junior Animagus Studies session on Thursday. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Animagus Studies.
Benefits: Transformation into an animal of your choice, as determined upon applying.

0/15 spots available. ANIMAGUS STUDIES IS FULL.*

* If you have a character concept that hinges on becoming an Animagus, please contact the mods. Explain to us the importance of Animagus Studies to your concept, and we'll grant an exception.

Animagus Studies is taught in the Transfiguration classroom by Ms. Rhee (whose animagus is a distressingly large bear).

OOC Notes: If your character takes this course, please note what their animal will be on your app. Furthermore, work under the assumption that your character cannot yet transform successfully. There may be opportunities for this to change in the future.

TEACHING ASSISTANT: (open)

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Eileen (mountain lion), Kurt (dog, Australian Shepherd), Oscar (dog, corgi), Reid (mute swan), Sofia (black cat), Sybilla (white cobra), Veronica (red fox)
• Juniors: Cassius (crow), Charlotte (American alligator), Cole (spider), Estella (Japanese dwarf flying squirrel), Lucas (cat, Scottish Fold), Max (raccoon), Ruby (king vulture), Todd (coyote)

ADVANCED STUDY

Muggle Technology Studies

Taught by Mr. Merrill in the brand new computer lab, where the school boasts internet access! It’s admittedly not the best connection, and adult sites are blocked, but the school is quite proud. It was a project spearheaded by several Gooseberry graduates from several years ago. The class is divided into two categories:

• ADVANCED: Students who are experienced in muggle technology should sign up for the advanced course, where they get high school level introductions to computer science, coding and engineering. Students are also allowed to work on self-guided personal projects between lectures, with Mr. Merrill offering guidance and helping them to get the supplies they need. At the end of the year, seniors will sit down for a section on how to apply to muggle universities. The legal process for transferring records can be daunting.
• BEGINNER: For students who have little to no familiarity with muggle technology, Mr. Merrill teaches them how to understand and operate modern muggle devices. Sections include typing, internet use, cell phones, and understanding the basic science behind some of the greatest muggle inventions.

Prerequisites: You must maintain a C average in all classes. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Muggle Technology Studies.
Benefits: Internet access. Only Muggle Tech students have access to the computer lab, which is open during class times and for four hours on Sunday, 1:00-4:00 PM. Mr. Merrill supervises at all times.

2/15 spots available.

Muggle Technology Studies is taught by Mr. Merrill.

TEACHING ASSISTANT: As this is a brand new course, there isn't a TA.

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Adeline, Chloe, Jaime, Lachlan
• Juniors: Ariadne, Micah, Sebastien, Zachary
• Sophomores: Archimedes, Concordia, Grace, Miguel, Nisha, Paris, Quentin

ADVANCED STUDY

Occlumency

Occlumency is the ancient skill of shielding one's mind from Legilimency. It's difficult to master, especially for teenagers, because the key is to empty your head of emotions. However, for students that are determined, they can pursue this Advanced Study course. They must be invited by Ms. Lilywhite, who also uses this class as an opportunity to prep those who intend to pursue a career as an Auror or Hit-Wizard.

Prerequisites: You must maintain a C average in all classes, and a B in Defense Against the Dark Arts to take this course. Only juniors and seniors are allowed. Students of Occlumency can drop in on class sessions for different years, e.g. a senior taking Occlumency on Tuesday can also attend the junior Occlumency session on Thursday. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Occlumency.
Benefits: Advanced duelling skills (bonus in duelling RNG tournaments), guaranteed success learning to cast a Patronus when that lesson takes place, immunity to certain emotion-affecting events.

3/15 spots available.

Occlumency is taught in the DADA classroom by Ms. Lilywhite.

TEACHING ASSISTANT: (open)

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Avery, Casper, Jonathan, Sylvester, Ulysses
• Juniors: Evangeline, Jade, Janet, Ophelia, Thaddeus

ADVANCED STUDY

Pre-Healer Studies

Taught by Healer Mufferaw, Pre-Healer studies is an intensive course with as much hands-on work as there is detailed textbook learning. He’s no-nonsense and doesn’t tolerate any goofing off during class time. As per his usual M.O., he’s not impressed by any of you, and if you think you’re hot shit, he’ll show you the door. Lessons alternate weekly between lectures and demonstrations. Once a month, students are taken off-campus to various magical hospitals for guest lectures from practicing Healers. Pre-Healer Studies is taught in the classroom nearest the infirmary, on the first floor.

Prerequisites: Herbology (B or higher), Charms (B or higher), Potions (B or higher). C average in all other classes. Healer Mufferaw doesn’t find you insufferable. Players are limited to a maximum of one character in Pre-Healer Studies.

4/15 spots available.

Pre-Healer Studies is taught by Healer Mufferaw.

TEACHING ASSISTANT: As this is a brand new course, there isn't a TA.

STUDENTS

• Seniors: Daniel, Rosemary, Sandford, Ursula
• Juniors: Calvin, Fern, Hazel, Ira, Jonah, Isabelle, Madison

Other Staff

Headmistress Bloom is often busy with the business details of running Gooseberry, but makes sure to be in attendance for every breakfast and dinner. She’s often heard declaring “Oh, I love children! But...” before handing off some delicate emotional matter involving the students to one of her employees. She’s an enthusiastic supporter of Quidditch, and is the head of the council for reviewing senior projects. Mrs. Bloom's office is located in one of the towers in the main lodge. She loves to sit and fish on the docks when she has a bit of time off.

Misericordia Bloom

HEADMISTRESS

Mr. Covington is from one of the oldest pureblood families in North America. He uses magic to do almost all of his work, and the only time he's hands-on is when he's with the horses. He spends his free time around the stables rather than socializing, and is regarded as rather mysterious. The truth is, he's just a bit prickly, but he warms up to students who take a special interest in riding. Mr. Covington has a steady hand and is a good judge of character, but he thinks the answer to all of life's problems is a little bit of time with just you, your horse, and the open sky.

Mordecai Covington

GROUNDSKEEPER

Healer Mufferaw is gruff and no-nonsense, and being sent to the Healer's means getting a not-so-gentle examination. Sensitive students may complain that he turns away anyone who's not on the brink of death, which is only a slight exaggeration. He'll give out Pepper Up Potions during cold season, and Merlin knows that kids at Gooseberry get roughed up plenty, but Mufferaw won't do a thing for minor cuts and scratches. He says it BUILDS CHARACTER, and SCARS TELL STORIES. If you come in with anything that isn't clearly a certifiable illness, he'll just tell you to drink plenty of water and go to bed early. Kids these days are coddled!

Clever students (and staff) know not to go to Mufferaw for frivolous things like hangover cures, upset stomachs and headaches. In those cases, you're way better off finding easy-going, ever helpful Mr. Elmasry.

Joe Mufferaw

HEALER

Ms. Petrichor always looks like she's just heard a particularly unfunny joke. It's uncertain why she's here at Gooseberry at all, since, generally speaking, she seems to not like teenagers. If books are even a day late, she's sending notices to the Heads of Houses to get them to retrieve it. Her patience is up before anyone even thinks to try it. But if you've ever gone to the library to escape and have a good cry, Ms. Petrichor might bring you a handkerchief and comment on how children can be so mean.

Gretchen Petrichor

LIBRARIAN

With so many troubled but brilliant students attending Gooseberry, the school’s started seeking out a therapist who could join the staff permanently. Dr. Perry, as he insists everyone calls him, is an upbeat if slightly neurotic young man with a real interest in helping. He’ll never turn away a student, even if they come knocking on his door well after appointment hours. While he’s an effective and caring therapist, in his personal life he seems to be a bit of a doormat. Maybe that’s why he’ll open his door to help you at 2 AM.

Students seeing Dr. Perry: Ariadne, Casper, Chloe, Ennis, Estella, Hazel, Isabelle, Lucas, Nisha, Noel, Samantha, Solomon, Sylvester, Rosemary

Dr. Perry Waters-Longstreet

COUNSELOR